Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'Theory of Knowledge (2nd edn)', 'The Discourses' and 'On Simple Theories of a Complex World'

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6 ideas

1. Philosophy / C. History of Philosophy / 4. Later European Philosophy / b. Seventeenth century philosophy

2945	Most philosophers start with reality and then examine knowledge; Descartes put the study of knowledge first [Lehrer]

1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 4. Conceptual Analysis

2946	You cannot demand an analysis of a concept without knowing the purpose of the analysis [Lehrer]

14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory

21687

It seems obvious to prefer the simpler of two theories, on grounds of beauty and convenience [Quine]

21688

There are four suspicious reasons why we prefer simpler theories [Quine]

25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 2. Religion in Society

19813

All legislators invoke God in support of extraordinary laws, because their justification is not obvious [Machiavelli]

7126	Rulers should preserve the foundations of religion, to ensure good behaviour and unity [Machiavelli]